Weight counterbalancing mechanism for the magazines of matrix composing and line casting machines



ATRIX March 21, 1939,

, C. A. ALBRECHT WEIGHT COUNTERBALANCING MECHANISM FOR THE MAGAZINES OF M COMPOSING AND LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 19, 1936 Patented Mar. 21, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WEIGHT COUNTERBALANCING MECHANISM FOR THE MAGAZINES OF MATRIX COM- POSING AND LINE CASTING MACHINES Application October 19, 1936, Serial No; 106,414

Germany June 13, 1936 9 Claims.

This invention relates to typographical composing machines, and is concerned with means for counter-balancing the weight of matrix magazines thereon in order to facilitate their adjustment by the operator for the purpose of bringing one or other of a plurality of magazines-into operative position.

It has already been proposed in the case of matrix composing and line-casting machines with a plurality of magazines arranged column-wise to counter-balance the weight of the magazine column through one or more springs in order to facilitate the magazine change. In consequence of the comparatively restricted space available on the machine, the springs can only be given a limited length, but on the other hand they must be sufficiently powerful to be able to counter-balance the weight of the magazine column. In the case of such short and comparatively powerful springs it is not, however, possible, more especially when the magazine column consists of a large number of magazines, to cover the required range of extension, the resistance of the spring near the end of the changing movement increasing at least to such an extent that the magazine shift demands the expenditure of a considerable force.

The invention overcomes this difliculty by an arrangement of counter-balancing springs, which, whilst retaining a substantially uniform tension, permits long travelling paths to be covered. For this purpose, it is necessary for the length of the springs to be considerably increased and this is made possible according to the invention, (notwithstanding the existing restriction as to available space) by the fact that in place of each single spring, two or more springs are used, the latter being associated with connecting members guided over rollers or the like.

One constructional form of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the drawing, wherein:-

Figure 1 shows diagrammatically in side views the pertinent part of a matrix composing and line casting machine, and

Figure 2 is a front view of the lower part of Figure 1.

In the drawing, a is the magazine frame arranged to carry a certain number, for example, four, superposed magazines M. The supporting frame is guided on the machine frame in known manner and in such a way that it can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the top and bottom plates of the magazines in order to permit the magazines to be brought successively into the operative position, For the purpose of moving the magazine column up and down, the supporting frame is provided with two or more toothed racks b inmesh with the pinions c. The latter are driven by means of pairs of bevel gears d from a common shaft e which can be turned by means of a crank handle 1.

Inorder to counter-balance the weight a rod 9 is afi'ixed at h to the magazine frame a. The said rod carries at its ,lowerend a stay 2', which can be adjustedon the rod 9 in different positions and is adapted to rest against a nut is. The stay 1' is provided on either side with a stud i to which are fastened two springs m. The other end of each spring m is made fast to a band n guided over a fixed roller 0 attached to the machine frame and the other end of the said band n engages a further spring 72, the other end of which is afiixed to a rigid hook or the like q on the machine frame. At its lower end, the rod y is further guided in a lug r on the machine frame.

Each pair of the springs m and 1), connected together by the band 11, acts as a single long spring. Consequently they can be used over a longer extension with substantially uniform tension, so that the load to be overcome during magazine changing will remain even during the whole of the changing path.

While, in the constructional example illustrated, two double springs m, p, are shown, the present arrangement may be carried out with one, or more than two, such double springs. Likewise, instead of a spring made up of two parts, springs made up each of more than two parts connected together may be used, in which case the lower end of the spring p may again be connected to a band and the other end of the said band attached to a third spring, which may be located at the top to the machine frame or joined by another band to a fourth spring.

The invention may be carried out in constructionally different ways. For example, in place of metal bands connecting the springs, chains, wire ropes or the like, may be employed, in which case correspondingly constructed machine parts are used in place of the rollers. It is, moreover, not necessary for the spring sections m and p to be parallel or approximately parallel to each other, and they may be guided in any preferred direction where there is space available on the machine.

Having described my invention, I declare that what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

1. In a typographical composing machine, the combination of a plurality of matrix magazines,

means forraising and lowering the magazines to bring one or another into operative position, and means for counter-balancing the weight of the magazine structure, said means comprising a plurality of extensible springs connected in series and disposed in such relation that the opposite ends of the compound spring system are brought into substantially closer proximity to each other than if the springs were disposed V 7 end to end in a straight line.

2. In a typographical composing machine, the combination of a plurality of matrix magazines, means for raising and lowering the magazines to bring one or another into operative position, and means for counter-balancing the weight of the magazine structure, said means comprising a plurality of extensible springs connected in series and disposed in such relation that the distance between the opposite ends of the compound spring system is substantially less than the eifective length of said system measured along its axis.

3. In a typographical composing machine, the combination of a plurality of matrix magazines, means for raising and lowering the magazines to bring one or another into operative position, and means for counterbalancing the weight of the magazine structure, said means comprising 'a plurality of extensible springs connected in series and disposed substantially in parallel relation with the terminal ends of the spring system in close proximity to each other, whereby the over-all length of the spring system is substantially one-half of its effective length.

4. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the springs are connected together by flexible couplings running over roller guides.

5. A combination according to claim 2, where- V in the springs are connected together by flexible couplings running over roller guides.

6. A combination according to claim 3, wherein the springs are connected together by flexible couplings running over roller guides.

7. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the means for counter-balancing the weight of the magazine structure comprises a purality of compound spring. systems, each made up of a plurality of extensible springs as set forth in said claim;

8. A combination according to claim 2, wherein the means for counter-balancing the weight of the magazine structure comprises a plurality of compound spring systems, each made up of a plurality of extensible springs as set forth in said claim.

9. A combination according to claim 3, whereplurality of extensible springs asset forth in said claim.

CHRISTIAN AUGUSTUS ALBRECHT. 

